Chattanooga fell during the Battle of Chattanooga, a decisive engagement of the American Civil War that took place from November 23 to 25, 1863. The Union victory on November 25, 1863, effectively marked the city's fall and secured its control for the North.
The Battle of Chattanooga: A Turning Point
The Battle of Chattanooga was a pivotal moment in the Western Theater of the Civil War. Fought on the Tennessee River, this engagement was crucial for the Union's strategic objectives, particularly gaining control over vital railway lines and opening the way for further advances into the Confederate heartland.
Key aspects of the battle include:
- Strategic Importance: Chattanooga was a critical rail hub, earning it the nickname "Gateway to the Lower South." Its control was essential for both Union and Confederate forces.
- Union Command: Following the disastrous Battle of Chickamauga, Union forces in Chattanooga were under siege. Ulysses S. Grant was given command of the Military Division of the Mississippi and arrived to break the siege.
- Key Engagements: The battle comprised several distinct engagements over three days:
- Orchard Knob (November 23): Union forces under Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas successfully took this Confederate outpost.
- Lookout Mountain (November 24): Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's troops fought through heavy fog in what became known as the "Battle Above the Clouds," dislodging Confederate forces from the mountain.
- Missionary Ridge (November 25): The climactic assault saw Union soldiers, originally ordered to take rifle pits at the base, spontaneously charge and overrun the main Confederate line on the ridge, resulting in a complete rout of the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
The Union's triumph at Chattanooga significantly contributed to the overall victory for the North in the Civil War. It broke the Confederate hold on a key logistical center, boosted Union morale, and solidified Grant's reputation, ultimately leading to his appointment as General-in-Chief of all Union armies.
Key Dates of the Fall of Chattanooga
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Commenced | November 23, 1863 | Opening engagements, Union advance on Orchard Knob. |
| "Battle Above the Clouds" | November 24, 1863 | Union forces capture Lookout Mountain. |
| Decisive Union Victory | November 25, 1863 | Union forces storm Missionary Ridge, Confederate retreat. |
| Chattanooga Falls | November 25, 1863 | City secured by Union forces, marking a major Northern victory. |
For more detailed information on this pivotal battle, you can refer to resources like Britannica's article on the Battle of Chattanooga.
